2012 NCAA Football Features

Each Monday, WhatIfSports.com's NCAA college football simulation engine will provide you with game predictions for every D-1 FBS game that upcoming week. The college football simulation engine generates detailed information for each game including each team's chances of winning (Win%) and the average points scored for both teams. Make sure to share the college football information you gained here with your friends by either checking out our NCAA football widgets on the WhatIf To Go page or clicking on the social networking share bar at the top and bottom of this article.

The statistical inputs to the thousands of college football simulations are based on rigorous analysis of each team's roster, depth charts and statistically based player rankings. Roster modifications are made in cases of injury or suspension and those players are removed from their team's game simulation for that week.

Game of the Week: Oregon at USC

In a game where Marqise Lee racked up 345 receiving yards (on 16 receptions) and 469 all-purpose yards, it's hard to fathom USC losing to any team, let alone Arizona (1-3 in the Pac-12 heading into Week 9). However, the Trojans' 618 yards of total offense is watered down when the Wildcats boast 588 total yards and force five (5!) turnovers, three fumbles and two interceptions. You play to win the game, but you need the ball to win the game in a shootout like the one last Saturday in Tuscon.

Besides the damning loss to USC's national championship hopes, why does this loss to Arizona matter? Well, the Trojans' Week 10 opponent, Oregon, beat the Wildcats 49-0 in late September. The Ducks (8-0) are steamrolling the opposition by an average score of 53-19. The offense is third in the country in rushing (330 yards per game) behind traditional run-oriented offenses Army and Air Force and has scored the most rushing touchdowns in the country (34). Kenjon Barner paces the offense with 974 yards on 141 carries (6.9 yards per rush) with 14 touchdowns. He's one of four Ducks with over 350 rushing yards to-date.

As for USC, the aforementioned Lee already has 76 receptions for 1,129 yards (141.1 rec. yards per game, 2nd in NCAA) with 10 touchdowns (second in NCAA). Quarterback Matt Barkley is completing over 65 percent of his passes for over 2,200 yards with 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Without question, the Trojans' main goal on Saturday is slowing down the Ducks' ground game. USC is 29th in the country in rush defense, allowing just over 123 yards per game, but only six touchdowns via the ground.

We simulated the Ducks and Trojans 101 times and it's Oregon coming away with the win 57.4 percent of the time by an average score of 29-27.